Post by MickStPeter on Apr 19, 2007 22:58:05 GMT -5

So... I thought this new forum an appropriate place to post this thread (but correct me if I'm wrong)My cousin and her eight year old son are currently staying with my family here in GA... and of course I bought tickets to Bonnaroo, was thoroughly excited and had to tell everyone... She had prior to this never actually heard of the fest (can you believe it)She loves music and so does her son for that matter, and she would love to come but... she isn't sure if she would want to take her son along for such a trip... but she doesnt want to leave him here either... I was wondering if anyone has experience taking their kids along to Bonnaroo?

Post by oppositeopposite on Apr 20, 2007 7:39:46 GMT -5

my 13 year old sister went with me last year, and is going this year.8 and 13 is a big difference but... overall, everyone is super nice. he may have some questions about certain activities going on, and from what i know there's a big body painting addition. so nudity and smoking would be her biggest concern, other than that everyone's really nice, her son will get to play at the drum cirlce, look at the pyro-art, play in the mud, etc. he would have a good time i assume. kids love camping. everyone loves camping.

Post by Guest on Apr 20, 2007 10:51:47 GMT -5

I took my daughter to Big Cypress for the 3 day Phish show. She was around 7 or 8 at the time. It is pretty much the same environment although Bonnaroo is a little more hectic and crowded. As long as your cousin is open minded and her child is not too sheltered, I can't imagine that they wouldn't have a great time.

Post by Kidz Jam on Apr 20, 2007 14:49:09 GMT -5

One thing that we always try to remind parents of at Kidz Jam is that any parent can bring their children to a festival as long as they are attentive and responsible. I tell parents that if the focus of your trip is not about the kids, then it will be very hard for you. Taking children to a festival requires you to be geared toward their comfort and interests the entire time, while keeping an eye out for things you may have to steer them from. If you can handle this, then by all means, bring your kids, it is a fantastic experience for them!

It is a good idea to talk to them beforehand about what they should expect. My biggest tip is to always be aware of what your child is watching and feeling while at the festival. Kids often won't tell you if they are dehydrated, especially the little ones who will run around until they drop.

It's work, but taking the family to a festival makes it a child-centered commitment. One thing we hate to see is irresponsible parents giving all us great parents a bad name at festivals. I am so pleased to see that some parents have already posted here about taking their kids. Younger and Older children alike can enjoy the social environment and music (and giant burritos).

Post by MickStPeter on Apr 25, 2007 20:15:35 GMT -5

awww I dont see a picture... I really wanted to see it too... Alas though... the cousin and the little man aren't coming... the final decision was made last night... It makes me sad but it also makes me kinda relieved cause I wont have to worry about what jake (edit: that would be my cousin's son, sorry) is exposed toThey are vacationing in California... so either way they will have fun... but not as much fun as I am having...

Post by Bishop on Apr 25, 2007 22:30:21 GMT -5

I told my sister (28) last year about Roo, some of her favorite artists were there, and she showed interest in going. This year I told her about The Police being there, she flipped out because she used to have a huge (still does) crush on Sting... now she wants to go and take her 4 year old daughter... I'd say bad idea, does anyone have experience with small children at Bonnaroo? Would it be a problem?

Post by iSkew on Apr 27, 2007 9:13:21 GMT -5

I had decided not to take our daughter this year but really, really wanted to; I asked for thoughts earlier on the board and just didn't get the sense of people being cool with it and didn't want my daughter to be the only kid in a certain radius. I'm now totally reconsidering. I really want my daughter to be able to say she saw The Police!

Post by Guest on Apr 27, 2007 23:04:06 GMT -5

iskew said:

I had decided not to take our daughter this year but really, really wanted to; I asked for thoughts earlier on the board and just didn't get the sense of people being cool with it and didn't want my daughter to be the only kid in a certain radius. I'm now totally reconsidering. I really want my daughter to be able to say she saw The Police!

I used to think that way also when my daughter was little. She had seen the Grateful Dead, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Alman Brothers, Sting, Rush, Steve Miller, Ziggy Marley and sooo many other bands all before she was 10. The the only one she really remembers is the 3 days at Phish in Big Cypress.

So unless you really have to take them with you, I say wait until they are older and they can actually remember it Any experience I ever had with taking a young child to an event like this though was always a positive one - it's just hard work on the parents.

Post by gmasterv on May 9, 2007 22:55:48 GMT -5

We've been going to shows and festivals with our 4yo daughter since she was 10 months old. We bought a VW Vanagon to make our life ALOT easier at festivals. Friends of ours did the same but bought a pop-up trailer. Half our year, revolves around planning for an attending festivals and shows around the country. We pick a festival, plan on spending 2/3 days there, then spend another 7 days camping in nearby areas. I can't imagine not having my daughter at an outside summer festival (winter/indoor shows are for mom and dad) or a better way to spend time together and travel the country.

But hey, thats us, not you. We spend a lot of time and work making sure our daughter has what she needs to make her WANT to go to the next show. even if that means missing an act we really wanted to see, and even leaving early on long festivals. Keep doing what you love, with the people you love. But if Bonnaroo is too much for your family, try a smaller festival first, maybe Floydfest in VA or Asheville Jamboree.

Kidzjam's post couldn't be said any better. It's a different show with kids, and you can't be upset if miss something, but if you can do that and still be happy, you will be greatly rewarded with beautiful music, fun and family..all rolled up into one.

peace, and believe me, you will NOT be the only person with little ones at the show!!!

Post by druidcat on May 11, 2007 10:20:19 GMT -5

We just bought a pop-up for the same reason, do your friends like theirs? Would have loved to get a Westie or Vanagon but thought it would be a bit crowded with hubby, me, 12yo dd and toddler. Are ya'll going to Asheville Jamboree? Don't think we'll be making it to 'roo this year but we bought our tix for Amjam almost as soon as it was announced...what a great line up!

Post by gmasterv on May 11, 2007 20:10:29 GMT -5

Our friend love their pop-up, but it is a lot different from a Westy. We don't need special passes or concerns about where we will park. They of course have 2 king beds however!! They are usally a bit stressed upon arrival trying to figure out where to park and set up but once thats done, they love it. They won't travel without it.

Post by jackal on May 28, 2007 1:18:33 GMT -5

I take my kids every year to bonnaroo. But now we don't camp thier but they love the music and the things bonnaroo offers the kids. I watch them very closely. There biggest thing is the Big Mushroom Fountain. They were put on News 17 in Nashville playing in it. My kids are now 11, 10 and 8 and we will be going this year

Post by mom with a camera on Feb 1, 2008 10:49:15 GMT -5

Here's a question for y'all. I'm steveternal's wife--pregnant at the last Bonnaroo, and now our little one is out & about & growing. Were any of you parents concerned about the heat affecting an infant under 1 year?

Post by idio on Feb 1, 2008 10:58:56 GMT -5

jmathewes said:

Here's a question for y'all. I'm steveternal's wife--pregnant at the last Bonnaroo, and now our little one is out & about & growing. Were any of you parents concerned about the heat affecting an infant under 1 year?

Edited b/c I'm figuring out how to use the interface...

spooky and I were neighbors with a couple that had a small baby - less than 1 year. it seemed to be a lot of alternating "im going to this show, you stay here with the baby" going on. they had a van with a bed and some tarps, a portable crib..

Post by spookymonster on Feb 1, 2008 10:59:01 GMT -5

Last year, we had a pair of parents and their early toddler (12-ish months) camp next to us in VIP. They kept him buttered up in SPF 45, and slept in a mini-van with the AC when necessary. I never saw him eat or drink anything (she was probably still b/f him), so I can't comment on how well they kept him hydrated. He seemed fairly content, tho.

Post by disko72 on Feb 21, 2008 17:33:21 GMT -5

We're hoping that our then 18-month yo will be okay in his stroller, lots of water and sunscreen.

Can anyone tell me whether there are spaces in Centeroo where we can set up a small shade-tent and a blanket? Are we allowed to bring strollers and these sorts of things into centeroo? I'm assuming we're allowed to bring baby stuff (food/toys) in to the main concert area too, no?

Also - we've booked one of the hotel packages since didn't want to risk sleeping in the extreme heat with a baby. Anyone know long is the walk from the day parking to Centeroo?

Post by starrynight on Feb 21, 2008 18:19:06 GMT -5

disko72 said:

We're hoping that our then 18-month yo will be okay in his stroller, lots of water and sunscreen.

Can anyone tell me whether there are spaces in Centeroo where we can set up a small shade-tent and a blanket? Are we allowed to bring strollers and these sorts of things into centeroo? I'm assuming we're allowed to bring baby stuff (food/toys) in to the main concert area too, no?

Also - we've booked one of the hotel packages since didn't want to risk sleeping in the extreme heat with a baby. Anyone know long is the walk from the day parking to Centeroo?

Thanks! D

you can definitely bring in a blanket but i dont know about a shade tent. I dont think you are allowed to bring in things that obstruct views since you can only bring in chairs that are low to the ground. I'm sure there is someone you can email and find out about these things, and surely they will let you bring a stroller for your baby, but, I really don't know. I would go to the the "What Stage" section and ask these questions because you will got more answers and a much faster one!

Post by Guest on Feb 21, 2008 18:40:02 GMT -5

I am pretty sure I saw babies in strollers last year - I don't think they would turn you away for that..... You can bring snacks and toys with no problem I am sure. I always have granola bars with me.

Your main problem will be finding shade in Centeroo because there really isn't much. There are some shady tree areas but not many and people take full advantage of that shade so there are always lots of people in those areas. And even if you can find shade - it is still hot as hell here in TN in June.

I was in the day parking near the entrance last year and it was about a 15 minute walk to Centeroo - not bad at all, and mostly on gravel paths.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well. I used to take my daughter to stuff like this from the time she was a baby and never really had any issues. You just have to be well prepared.

Post by Meg on Feb 22, 2008 9:50:41 GMT -5

disko72 said:

We're hoping that our then 18-month yo will be okay in his stroller, lots of water and sunscreen.

Can anyone tell me whether there are spaces in Centeroo where we can set up a small shade-tent and a blanket? Are we allowed to bring strollers and these sorts of things into centeroo? I'm assuming we're allowed to bring baby stuff (food/toys) in to the main concert area too, no?

Also - we've booked one of the hotel packages since didn't want to risk sleeping in the extreme heat with a baby. Anyone know long is the walk from the day parking to Centeroo?

Thanks! D

There is a specific Kids Jam area that provides shade, a play area (I think) and water for children and parents

Post by disko72 on Feb 22, 2008 11:09:37 GMT -5

Thanks for the info.

Do you think other parents with young kids/toddlers going to Bonnaroo might be interested in coordinating a meeting place with each other in Centeroo??

Just thinking that organizing a kid-friendly area in Centeroo where the kids could play with each other in a larger space with blankets etc. might be cool rather than being scattered throughout the crowds...

Post by Meg on Feb 22, 2008 11:36:15 GMT -5

Oh and I got to thinking about the shade thing - ya know those things that you can buy for the baby at the beach???? it is like a mini shade tent - that might work if you can convince your toddler to sit down and play with a few toys or eat a snack - I know they fold up fairly small